Brassiere and method of manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A brassiere includes a first cup and a second cup, a center bridge attaching the first cup to the second cup, and a first wing attached to the first cup, and a second wing attached to the second cup. The brassiere includes first and second cup fasteners attached to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations, a first wing fastener attached to the first wing, and a first strap detachably connected to the first cup fastener at one end and connected to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to an improved brassiere and method of manufacturing same.

BACKGROUND

Brassieres, otherwise referred to generally as “bras”, are undergarments that are worn to contour, support, and provide lift to breasts. Bras may be used for many occasions and are therefore worn with countless types of clothing, and it is generally desired to wear them in such a way that they remain concealed under the clothing. Women are therefore generally seeking comfortable bras that are appropriate for all types of occasions and for all types of clothing. Such types may include but are not limited to backless apparel and strapless arrangements. Other types include evening gowns, dresses, and the like. Other types of clothing include button down blouses or shirts, or less formal apparel such as pullover or “T” shirts, exercise clothing made to breath, or biking tops as additional examples.

In short, any number of clothing types may be used and it is desirable to provide bras that may meet all requirements of not only support, but also the ability to conceal straps or other aspects of the bra, as well as a desire for convenient operation for strap attachment or removal.

Known bras may not serve all desired purposes. For instance, a strapless bra solves many problems in that they may be relatively easy to put on and adjust, and are generally easy to conceal. However, strapless bras tend to “ride down” and therefore do not provide the lift or support as desired and it may be necessary to regularly pull them up during use.

Another type of strapless bra, sometimes referred to as bandeau bras or tube tops, may be comfortable but also may be ‘stretchy’ and, although they may stay up and provide support for longer duration than a strapless bra, they often do not keep the breast form. Instead, breasts can be flattened, or compressed together to look like one breast.

Many bras come with removable straps and thus can be worn in traditional fashion. For instance, straps may be passed over the shoulder, connecting the top of each cup with the back and on the same side as the cup. Straps may also be crisscrossed, forming an “X” on the back. In another example, one strap can be used around the neck, connecting the top of one cup to the top of the other cup, which can provide support via the neck. In another example the straps may be removed altogether.

With these options, it is typical to include one location to connect the straps to each quadrant, with one at the top of each cup and one on each side of the back.

However, many shirts do not fit this model. Some shirts need straps to be placed so they are wider on the back in order to be concealed by the shirt, and some need straps that are placed closer together. Some may need to be nearer the shoulders on the front and some need to be nearer the neck.

Bras may include clips that can be attached to bra straps to position them differently on the back. The clips may be included with a bra when purchased, or may be purchased separately. However, it can be difficult for the wearer to attach the clips themselves, so a second person may be needed to attach and adjust the clips, which can be inconvenient or unacceptable.

Sometimes bra straps may not be concealed by a shirt or overgarment but it is nevertheless important for the bra straps to be concealed. For instance, a spaghetti strap tank top having straps passing over the shoulder may conceal the bra straps if both are aligned with and coincide with one another. However, during use it is common for the straps to shift from one another and to the right or left, such that the shirt straps may no longer conceal the bra straps. The misalignment of straps can be particularly stark and visible if the straps are of different color from one another.

Thus, to deal with a myriad of issues that may be encountered to provide bras for various occasions, clothing types, and the like, it is common to possess multiple types of bras. This can be inconvenient for many reasons. Many bra types and/or colors may have to be purchased to cover the wide range of anticipated uses. When traveling it can be particularly inconvenient because many types of bras are packed and carried to the ultimate destination. If a clothing arrangement is not anticipated, or if a particular bra is not packed, then the wearer may have to wear a different outfit, purchase a new bra to fit the occasion, or attend a potentially embarrassing situation, as examples.

Thus, there is a need to improve bras.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The disclosure is directed generally toward an improved brassiere and method of manufacturing same.

According to one example, a brassiere includes a first cup and a second cup, a center bridge attaching the first cup to the second cup, and a first wing attached to the first cup, and a second wing attached to the second cup. The brassiere further includes first and second cup fasteners attached to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations, a first wing fastener attached to the first wing, and a first strap detachably connected to the first cup fastener at one end and connected to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.

According to another example, a method of manufacturing a brassiere includes attaching a first cup to a second cup via a center bridge therebetween, attaching a first wing to the first cup, and attaching a second wing to the second cup. The method further includes attaching first and second cup fasteners to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations, attaching a first wing fastener to the first wing, and detachably connecting a first strap to the first cup fastener at one end and to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.

Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary brassiere according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the exemplary brassiere of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3C are illustrative examples of the brassiere of FIG. 1 according to various possible wearing arrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A brassiere is illustrated and described in the following description and accompanying figures. The disclosed brassier is illustrated as being worn in various arrangements but it is contemplated that the disclosure is not limited to such arrangements and that other brassiere arrangements or configurations may be used with other types and styles of clothing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a brassiere 100 includes a first cup 102 and a second cup 104, and a center bridge 106 attaching first cup 102 to second cup 104. A first wing 108 is attached to first cup 102, and a second wing 110 is attached to second cup 104. According to the disclosure, a plurality of cup fasteners 112 are positioned along lateral locations of first and second cups 102, 104, and a plurality of wing fasteners 114 are positioned along lateral locations of first and second wings 108, 110. Straps 116 are connected and connectable to cup fasteners 112 and wing fasteners 114.

In the illustrated example, cup fasteners 112 and wing fasteners 114 are formed of a loop of fabric that is sewn back on itself, as illustrated with element 118. The loop provides, in this example, a pass-through or opening 120 for connecting thereto. S-hooks 122 are positioned on ends 124 of straps 116 and one end or loop of S-hooks 122, as shown, is connected or connectable to each strap 116, while the other end of S-hook 122 is positionable through opening 120 of wing fastener 118 (or any of wing fasteners 114). Similarly, according to this example S-hooks 126 are positioned on other ends 128 of straps 116. A back-strap fastener 130 includes eyes for connecting an end 132 of wing first 108 to an end 134 of second wing 110. Eyes or loops 136 are positioned at different lateral locations and attach to loops (not visible) on a back side of end 134, the different lateral locations providing an ability to adjust for tighter or looser fit to the body as necessary.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, which is a back view of the brassiere of FIG. 1, brassiere 100 in this view shows wings 108, 110 spread out (as opposed to wings 108, 110 wrapped back against one another as in FIG. 1), and S-hooks 122, 126 attached to respective cup and wing fasteners 114, 112. Thus, brassiere 100 includes cup fasteners 112 attached to first cup 102 and positioned at respective lateral locations. Wing fasteners 114 are attached to wings 108, 110 an in the illustrated example are shown on an inner surface of each wing 108, 110. In such fashion and as desired, cup and wing fasteners 112, 114 may thereby be concealed from any external view and also to avoid unseemly or undesirable impressions on an outer shirt that is placed over bra 100 when in use. Likewise, cup fasteners 112 are positioned on an inner surface of each cup 102, 104 so as to be concealed while also avoiding undesirable impressions being made on the outer shirt. That is, the cup fasteners and wing fasteners are positioned on inner surfaces of the cups and wings and facing toward a surface of a person wearing the brassiere. It is further contemplated, according to the disclosure, that cup and wing fasteners 112, 114 may be positioned on an outer surface of cups 102, 104 and/or wing 108, 110, though it is desirable to maintain low profile fasteners so as not to show protrusions that may press into a shirt positioned over each.

Straps 116 are detachably connected to cup fastener 112 at end 128 and connected to wing fastener 114 at end 124. In such fashion, strap 116 can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching strap 116 from first cup fastener 112 and then attaching the strap 116 to a second cup fastener.

Or, more generally, any combination of connections of S-hooks 122, 126 to bra 100, via respective cup fasteners 112 and wing fasteners 114, may be made to accommodate a wide range of shirt types. The length of each of straps 116 may be altered using rings, sliders, and combinations thereof. As an example, and as known, a ring 138 and a slider 140 may be positioned on each strap 116 and thereby provide an ability to lengthen and shorten each strap 116 for a particular fit. That is, rings, sliders, and the like may be used to adjust a length of each strap 116 depending on the requirements of a particular arrangement. And, although only one ring 138 and one slider 140 is shown for each strap, additional rings and sliders may be place on each strap to provide for multiple locations for adjustment and to provide a wide range of shortening and lengthening ability for each strap. Thus, according to the disclosure, S-hooks 122, 126 and straps 116 may be adjusted in both length and location depending on the type of shirt to be worn.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, wing fasteners 114 are positioned proximate an upper edge 142 of each wing 108, 110. Cup fasteners 112, likewise, are positioned proximate an upper edge 144 of each cup 102, 104. Each wing includes, in the illustrated example, eyes or loops 136 proximate an end of one of wings 108, 110, and one or more respective hooks 146 proximate an end of the other of wings 108, 110, such that one wing is attached to the other wing when the one or more hooks 146 are engaged with the respective one or more eyes 136.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, various arrangements of brassiere 100 are shown in phantom and as hidden under clothing, which illustrates their position for various styles of clothing. For illustration purposes the arrangement of the bra is generally shown but without all its details, but it is contemplated that the bras shown in FIGS. 3A-3C include the various attachment, adjustment features, and the like as discussed and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may contain no, one, or more than one ring and slider combination for each strap.

Referring to FIG. 3A, an arrangement is shown according to one example. In this arrangement 200 a single strap 202 is shown (corresponding to straps 116 of FIGS. 1 and 2) that is configured to wrap up and around a neck of the individual wearing bra 100. In this arrangement only two S-hooks 204 are used, one on each end 206, 208 of strap 202. Each end 206, 208 includes S-hooks 204 and is attached to one of any one of a number of cup fasteners 210 according to the disclosure. In this example, end 206 is attached to a cup fastener 212, which is one of cup fasteners 210 on a first cup 214, and end 208 is attached to a cup fastener 216, which is one of cup fasteners 210 on a second cup 218. In this arrangement, as well, wing fasteners 220 are present as in previous discussion, but are not utilized since only a single strap 202 is used, having both ends attached to a front of bra 100 and to each cup 214, 218. A back-strap fastener 222 is used to attach each wing to the other. As such, a shirt 224 may be used having a tight neckline and bare shoulders are exposed, while bra 100, strap 202, and other components thereof are concealed beneath shirt 224 in arrangement 200.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an arrangement is shown according to another example. In this arrangement 300, two straps 302 are shown (corresponding to straps 116 of FIGS. 1 and 2), each configured and positioned to wrap over each respective shoulder of the individual wearing bra 100. In this arrangement four S-hooks 304 are used, one on each end 306, 308 of each strap 302. Each end 306, 308 includes S-hooks 304 and are attached to one of any one of a number of cup fasteners 310 according to the disclosure. In this example, ends 308 are attached to a cup fastener 312, which is one of cup fasteners 310 on a first cup 314 and on a second cup 318 attached to a cup fastener 316, which is one of cup fasteners 310 on second cup 318. In this arrangement, as well, wing fasteners 320 are present as in previous discussion and utilized as shown, having both ends 308 attached to a front of bra 100 and both ends 306 attached to a back of bra 100 and to first wing 324 and second wing 326. A back-strap fastener 322 is used to attach each wing 324, 326 to the other. As such, a shirt 328 may be used having a wide neckline and shoulders are covered, while bra 300, straps 302, and other components thereof are concealed beneath shirt 328.

Referring to FIG. 3C, an arrangement is shown according to another example. In this arrangement 400, two straps 402 are shown (corresponding to straps 116 of FIGS. 1 and 2), each configured and positioned to wrap over each respective shoulder of the individual wearing bra 100. In this arrangement four S-hooks 404 are used, one on each end 406, 408 of each strap 402. Each end 406, 408 includes S-hooks 404 and are attached to one of any one of a number of cup fasteners 410 according to the disclosure. In this example, ends 408 are attached to a cup fastener 412, which is one of cup fasteners 410 on a first cup 414 and on a second cup 418 attached to a cup fastener 416, which is one of cup fasteners 410 on second cup 418. In this arrangement, as well, wing fasteners 420 are present as in previous discussion and utilized as shown, having both ends 408 attached to a front of bra 100 and both ends 406 attached to a back of bra 100 and to first wing 424 and second wing 426. A back-strap fastener 422 is used to attach each wing 424, 426 to the other. As such, a shirt 428 may be used having a very narrow neckline and shoulders are covered, while bra 400, straps 402, and other components thereof are concealed beneath shirt 428.

Thus, according to the disclosure, a bra includes a first cup and a second cup, a center bridge attaching the first cup to the second cup, a first wing attached to the first cup, and a second wing attached to the second cup. First and second cup fasteners are attached to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations, which may be positioned depending on the desired location of the straps with respect to a shirt or top that is to be worn. A first wing fastener is attached to the first wing, and a first strap is detachably connected to the first cup fastener at one end and connected to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.

According to the disclosure a second wing fastener is attached to the first wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the first wing fastener, such that the first strap can be moved to a third arrangement by detaching the other end of the first strap from the first wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the first strap to the second wing fastener. In other words, it is contemplated that any number of arrangements may be selected by selectively positioning each of the ends of the straps with respective cup and wing attachment locations.

In fact, although the illustrated figures show a symmetric arrangement of attachments on each cup and wing, it is contemplated that attachments may be asymmetrically selected for strap locations to each of first and second wings, and to each of first and second cups. In one exemplary arrangement, one of straps 302 of FIG. 3B may be used with one of straps 402 of FIG. 3C to accommodate a shirt or top that has a wide shoulder on one side and a narrow shoulder on the other.

Thus, according to the disclosure, cup fasteners are attached to the cups and positioned at various lateral locations, with wing fasteners attached to the wing at various lateral locations, as well. A strap is detachably connected to the cup fastener at one end and connected to the wing fastener at the other end, such that the strap can be moved from one arrangement to another arrangement by detaching the strap from the cup fastener and then attaching the strap to another cup fastener. Another wing fastener is attached to one wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the previous fastener, such that the strap can be moved to another arrangement by detaching the end of the strap from the wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the strap to another wing fastener.

According to the disclosure, a brassiere therefore includes a pair of cups 102, 104, attached to one another via bridge 106, each cup 102, 104 having respective wings 108, 110 extending therefrom. Straps 116 are detachably connected to a respective cup 102, 104 and to a respective wing 108, 110, each strap 116 mountable over a respective shoulder of a wearer, such that each strap 116 can be detached and repositioned along a lateral location of its respective cup 102, 104, and such that each strap 116 can be detached and repositioned along a lateral location of its respective wing 108, 110.

Also, according to the disclosure, a method of manufacturing a brassiere includes attaching a first cup to a second cup via a center bridge therebetween, attaching a first wing to the first cup, and attaching a second wing to the second cup. The method further includes attaching first and second cup fasteners to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations, attaching a first wing fastener to the first wing, and detachably connecting a first strap to the first cup fastener at one end and to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosed materials, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and thus additional numerical values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

While the disclosed materials have been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the embodiments are not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, that disclosed can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosed materials. Additionally, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that disclosed aspects may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, that disclosed is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brassiere, comprising: a first cup and a second cup; a center bridge attaching the first cup to the second cup; a first wing attached to the first cup, and a second wing attached to the second cup; first and second cup fasteners attached to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations; a first wing fastener attached to the first wing; and a first strap detachably connected to the first cup fastener at one end and connected to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.
 2. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising a second wing fastener attached to the first wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the first wing fastener, such that the first strap can be moved to a third arrangement by detaching the other end of the first strap from the first wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the first strap to the second wing fastener.
 3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first wing fastener and the second wing fastener are positioned proximate an upper edge of the first wing, and the first and the second cup fasteners are positioned proximate an upper edge of the first cup.
 4. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second cup fasteners is positioned on an inner surface of the first cup and facing toward a surface of a person wearing the brassiere.
 5. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising a back-strap fastener that fastens the first wing to the second wing, wherein the back fastener includes one or more hooks proximate an end of the first wing, and one or more respective eyes proximate an end of the second wing, such that the first wing is attached to the second wing when the one or more hooks are engaged with the respective one or more eyes.
 6. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first wing fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the first wing and facing toward a surface of a person wearing the brassiere.
 7. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the first and the second cup fasteners detachably connect the end of the first strap to the first cup via hook and loop arrangements.
 8. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising: third and fourth cup fasteners attached to the second cup and positioned at respective third and fourth lateral locations; a third wing fastener attached to the second wing; and a second strap detachably connected to the third cup fastener at one end and connected to the third wing fastener at the other end, such that the second strap can be moved from a fourth arrangement to a fifth arrangement by detaching the second strap from the third cup fastener and then attaching the second strap to the fourth cup fastener.
 9. The brassiere of claim 8, further comprising a fourth wing fastener attached to the second wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the third wing fastener, such that the second strap can be moved to a sixth arrangement by detaching the other end of the second strap from the third wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the second strap to the fourth wing fastener.
 10. A method of manufacturing a brassiere, comprising: attaching a first cup to a second cup via a center bridge therebetween; attaching a first wing to the first cup; attaching a second wing to the second cup; attaching first and second cup fasteners to the first cup and positioned at respective first and second lateral locations; attaching a first wing fastener to the first wing; and detachably connecting a first strap to the first cup fastener at one end and to the first wing fastener at the other end, such that the first strap can be moved from a first arrangement to a second arrangement by detaching the first strap from the first cup fastener and then attaching the first strap to the second cup fastener.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching a second wing fastener to the first wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the first wing fastener, such that the first strap can be moved to a third arrangement by detaching the other end of the first strap from the first wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the first strap to the second wing fastener.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising positioning the first wing fastener and the second wing fastener proximate an upper edge of the first wing.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising positioning the first and the second cup fasteners proximate an upper edge of the first cup.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching a back-strap fastener to the brassiere that fastens the first wing to the second wing.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein attaching the back fastener includes attaching one or more hooks proximate an end of the first wing, and one or more respective eyes proximate an end of the second wing, such that the first wing is attached to the second wing when the one or more hooks are engaged with the respective one or more eyes.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and the second cup fasteners detachably connect the end of the first strap to the first cup via hook and loop arrangements.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: attaching third and fourth cup fasteners to the second cup and positioned at respective third and fourth lateral locations; attaching a third wing fastener to the second wing; and detachably connecting a second strap to the third cup fastener at one end and to the third wing fastener at the other end, such that the second strap can be moved from a fourth arrangement to a fifth arrangement by detaching the second strap from the third cup fastener and then attaching the second strap to the fourth cup fastener.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching a fourth wing fastener to the second wing and positioned at a lateral location different from that of the third wing fastener, such that the second strap can be moved to a sixth arrangement by detaching the other end of the second strap from the third wing fastener and then attaching the other end of the second strap to the fourth wing fastener.
 19. A brassiere, comprising: a pair of cups attached to one another via a bridge, each cup having a wing extending therefrom; straps that are detachably connected to a respective cup and to a respective wing, each strap mountable over a respective shoulder of a wearer, such that each strap can be detached and repositioned along a lateral location of its respective cup, and such that each strap can be detached and repositioned along a lateral location of its respective wing.
 20. The brassiere of claim 19, further comprising a back-strap fastener that fastens the first wing to the second wing, wherein the back fastener includes one or more hooks proximate an end of the first wing, and one or more respective eyes proximate an end of the second wing, such that the first wing is attached to the second wing when the one or more hooks are engaged with the respective one or more eyes. 